Monterey / Carmel-by-the-Sea
The aquarium that sets the standard, plus wild otters, a rocky headland and serious seafood.
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Under two hours from home
8 destinations from the Dublin, CA area. The sweet spot for a day trip with young kids: far enough to feel like a real change of scene, close enough to be home for bedtime.
| Destination | Kids | Drive | Days | Cost (2 nights, family of four) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monterey / Carmel-by-the-Sea | 4.5 | 1h 59m | 2–3 days | $1,500–3,000 |
| Santa Cruz / Capitola / Felton | 4.4 | 1h 17m | 2–4 days | $1,200–2,500 |
| Sonoma / Santa Rosa | 4.3 | 1h 18m | 1–2 days | $1,200–2,500 |
| Sacramento | 4.2 | 1h 46m | 2–3 days | $1,500–2,500 |
| Half Moon Bay / Pacifica | 4.2 | 56 min | 1–2 days | $1,000–2,200 |
| Petaluma | 4.1 | 1h 23m | 1–2 days | $1,200–2,500 |
| Healdsburg / Russian River | 3.4 | 1h 58m | 1–2 days | $1,500–3,000 |
| Napa Valley / Calistoga | 3.2 | 1h 08m | 1–2 days | $1,500–3,500 |
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Felton
An old-fashioned seaside amusement park at one end and a steam train through redwoods at the other.
Sonoma / Santa Rosa
A miniature railroad children can ride and a Peanuts museum, in a walkable plaza town.
Sacramento
A capital city with a railroad museum, a storybook park and a zoo within a couple of miles.
Half Moon Bay / Pacifica
A farm with pony rides, a working fishing harbour and tide pools, all within a few miles.
Petaluma
A walkable Victorian downtown with a swim centre and an adobe fort - a base town more than a destination.
Healdsburg / Russian River
A plaza town on the Russian River, with shallow swimming water and old-growth redwoods close by.
Napa Valley / Calistoga
Wine country that works for children: a real castle, an erupting geyser, and roadside burgers.
Costs are a fixed yardstick: 2 nights, family of four, lodging, food and activities. Not the cost of the stay we recommend.